How to apply for NYOTA Fund
By Faith Lagat, October 24, 2025The government has rolled out the nationwide physical validation exercise for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Fund, a World Bank–supported program aimed at empowering young Kenyans through training, entrepreneurship, and start-up support.
The validation exercise, announced by Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, will take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, across all 290 constituency headquarters.
“The process will verify key details such as residency, education level, employment status, gender distribution, and disability, while also confirming that applicants are available to participate fully throughout the project cycle,” Oparanya stated in an official notice.
Also watch: Nationwide validation for NYOTA business grants kicks off
The exercise seeks to confirm the authenticity and eligibility of applicants, ensuring that only verified youth benefit from the initiative. It forms part of the government’s five-year plan to address unemployment, boost income generation, and promote a savings culture among Kenya’s vulnerable youth.
To participate, applicants must complete the NYOTA registration and Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) before the validation day. The process is open to youth aged 18 to 29 years and up to 35 years for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), with preference given to those who are unemployed, underemployed, or in low-income work.
Step-by-step application checklist
- Dial *254# on your mobile phone and select NYOTA Project from the USSD menu.
- Follow the prompts and enter accurate personal details that match your National ID and SIM registration.
- Alternatively, send the word NYOTA to 40270 and answer all 19 Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) questions as prompted.
- Complete the EAT by 12:00 pm on Friday, October 24, 2025. If not done earlier, it can be completed on-site during the validation exercise.
- Identify your constituency and ward to report to the correct validation centre on the scheduled date.
- Attend the validation exercise in person at your constituency headquarters and report to your ward’s breakout station.
- Carry your original National ID for verification. Persons with Disabilities must also bring their disability identification cards.
- Cooperate with officials verifying your residency, education level, employment status, and other eligibility details.
- Keep any receipt or reference number issued during validation for record-keeping and follow-up.
- Wait for the three-day analysis period as the NYOTA Project Team reviews validation and EAT results before releasing the final beneficiary list.
Validation exercise and what to bring
The validation process will be conducted under a Whole-of-Government approach, led by Principal Secretaries and supported by elected leaders, National Government Administrative Officers, and the NYOTA Project Implementation Team. Validation centres will be organized by wards to promote transparency and efficiency.
CS Oparanya emphasised that “only those who attend in person will be considered eligible, with no repeat exercise planned.” Applicants are required to bring their National Identity Cards for verification, while PWDs must present their disability identification cards. Officials will verify key details, including residency, education, and employment status, as well as gender and disability data to ensure inclusivity.
Youth who have not yet completed the Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test will have the opportunity to do so at the validation centres. The EAT, which consists of 19 questions, is accessible on any mobile phone and available in multiple languages free of charge. The test helps assess applicants’ entrepreneurship potential and readiness for the program’s business component.
Selection, training, and support for successful applicants
After the validation exercise, the NYOTA Project Team will take three days to analyse the results and compile the final list of beneficiaries. Successful applicants will then proceed to induction and training sessions to prepare for the business start-up phase.
The NYOTA Project targets at least 820,000 youth across 1,450 wards in Kenya. Under the Business Support Component, 100,000 youth entrepreneurs will receive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and start-up grants of Sh50,000 each to either launch or grow their businesses.
The initiative comprises four main components designed to maximize its impact. The first, “Improving Youth Employability,” is implemented by the State Department for Youth, State Department for Labour, the National Industrial Training Authority, and the National Employment Authority to promote skills development and job placements.
The second, “Expanding Employment Opportunities,” is led by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) and supports business development, mentorship, and start-up financing.
The third, “Supporting Youth Savings,” is managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to encourage saving habits and financial literacy. The fourth, “Strengthening Youth Employment Systems,” is overseen by the State Departments for Youth and MSMEs to ensure efficient project management and monitoring.
The NYOTA Fund is open to youth from all 47 counties, including refugees in Garissa and Turkana. Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a expressed optimism about the project’s long-term impact, noting that with sustained commitment, Kenya’s youth can drive economic resilience and inclusive growth.
The program’s structured design ensures transparency, accountability, and equitable access, aligning with the government’s goal to empower young Kenyans and promote sustainable economic development.